Joni needs the job as a news reporter. She has a lot to prove. Her parents look for her to follow in her big sister’s footsteps. Her sister just won a prestigious award in journalism. Fresh out of college she needs to get her feet wet.

She’s quickly in over her head when she starts sticking her pretty little nose into a murder investigation.Joni shows that getting the story runs in her blood.

I like the characters to be genuine and Joni is a bit flighty and naive, jumping to conclusions too quickly. To be expected with someone new to a job and with a lot to prove. She makes the mystery fun and confusing.

As with most cozies, there are plenty of colorful characters, numerous suspects and false leads, and it all takes place in a small town. Living in a small southern town myself, the depictions of small town life, such as how quickly word spreads, and how connected the characters are, rings true and makes for many fun encounters and conversations.

A cozy I’d recommend to those looking for a relaxing, humorous, mystery. I’ll be following this series.

3 Stars

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Synopsis

Joni Harte knew her first job out of college would be tough, but she didn’t expect it to be murder.

With the ink mostly dry on her journalism degree, Joni accepts the position of news reporter and photographer for The Ogallala Gazette. She’s tasked with chronicling all of the goings-on of the quirky characters who inhabit this small Missouri town.

While investigating the identity of the first murder victim, Joni makes an enemy of the local sheriff. Worse, she catches the attention of a violent stalker who promises to cure Joni of her curiosity.

A small town, 5000 people.

As the Ogallala County Fair comes to an end, Joni must uncover the truth before she comes to hers.

Author Annette Drake

Annette Drake is a multi-genre author whose work is character-driven and celebrates the law of unintended consequences.